Sheki to hear sounds of percussion instruments

Azerbaijan’s the most picturesque region, Sheki, will host the “Nagara 2015” International Percussion Instruments Festival on August 22-26.

The festival will be co-organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Sheki City Executive Power, and “Almus Production” company.

Musicians from Turkey, Iran and Uzbekistan will show their skills alongside national ones.

The opening ceremony is expected to take place on August 22 at the Sheki Green Theatre.

Uzbek representatives Abbos Kasimov and “Abbos” group will perform on August 23. The Iranian “Lian” group will delight guests with their pleasant music on August 24.

A concert by Turkish representative Suat Borazan and the “Istanbul Harem” group is scheduled for August 25.

The closing ceremony will see an amazing performance by the famous Azerbaijani “Natiq ritm” and “Nagara 2015” groups on August 26.

In addition, during the festival Natig Shirinov, Abbos Kasimov, “Lian” group, and Suat Borazan will give master classes in music at the Karvansaray hotel.

The roots of percussion instruments in Azerbaijan go back far to the era of primitive society.

“Gaval dash” (tambourine-stone), located in one of the oldest places of human habitation, Gobustan, is a sample of ancient people’s instruments. When hitting striking the stone with your hand or an object, it emits a sound reminiscent of a drum tone.

The nagara is a folk drum that is played with the bare hands. It is one of the most popular percussion instruments of the Azerbaijani folk music.

This instrument is described in the Early Middle Age Azerbaijani literary epic, "Kitabi Dada Gorgud.”

The rhythmic beat of the nagara is believed to strengthen the heart.

According to the rich scientific and musical heritage of this instrument in Azerbaijan, it seems that not only did inhabitants listen to music for enjoyment and entertainment, but they perceived music as a potent force in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.